New Grimsby - just outside the Tresco Supermarket.
The great Anchor of the Sophie.
On the 15th December 1896, a dismasted ship was seen making no progress, tossed by heavy seas, 4 miles North of Shipman Head. Setting out in small boats, it was discovered to have no crew aboard; there was a healthy dog, the table was laid, the galley had food part prepared and still hot; the ship's clock was working. Lady of The Isles towed her in to New Grimsby, where she was bought and broken up, used for fencing and housing on the Dorrien-Smith estate.
The cargo of Cardiff anthracite was used for fuel, similarly.
On the 20th December 1896, the crew had arrived at Gibraltar, on the Glenmore.
The Sophie was a Norwegian barque, port of Frederickstad. She was earlier an old British vessel, sold 1888.
Her hull in 1896 decided she could hold together no more, and began to split apart.
On the 14th December 1896, the crew abandoned her. Leaving the ship and the dog in Fate's Hands.
The sign states 'wrecked here' which is not entirely correct.
6th August 2009.
